Driving lessons able to be taken by July 4, MPs told

Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg told MPs that plans are currently being set out to help driving instructors return to a life "as close to normal as possible".

Mr Rees-Mogg also explained that there will be a "phased approach" to the resumption of practical testing.

During Business Questions in the Commons, Conservative MP Greg Smith (Buckingham) had asked the Government to ensure guidance is given to allow driving instructors to get back to work.

Mr Smith said: "Whilst it's right that the economy is opened cautiously and following the science, can I ask (Mr Rees-Mogg) to ensure statements are made to this House to give the thousands of driving instructors in this country the guidance they need so that they know when they'll be able to reopen and get fully back to work?"

Mr Rees-Mogg responded: "Driving instructors are one of the unseen engines of the country. They train future generations of drivers and I hope they can resume their important work safely as soon as possible.

"The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's (DVLA) chief executive (Gareth Llewellyn) will be writing to all approved driving instructors on June 25 setting out plans to restart driver testing and to help them to return to life that is as close to normal as possible, as quickly and as fairly as possible, in a way that avoids a second peak of infections.

"From July 4, I am happy to say that people will be able to take driving lessons on a motorcycle or in a car, lorry or bus and there will be a phased approach to resuming practical testing so learners have the opportunity to practise before taking a test."

A DVSA spokesman said in a statement: "As the Leader of the House announced in Parliament, driving lessons will resume in England from July 4.

"Driving tests will resume in a phased approach. More details will be provided in due course."